The stone rolled away: The Lord is an Everlasting Rock
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD,
the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)
This six-week Easter season allows us to hear many witnesses of the resurrection, and thus grow deeper in our faith and victory celebration.
Very early on resurrection morning some women were going to anoint Jesus’ dead body, and remembered a serious obstacle that would make it impossible for them to accomplish their mission. Not only was there security deployed, but there was an extremely large stone at the entrance of the tomb; they asked each other: “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” (Mark 16:3) This is a good picture of the dilemma that the disciples and other believers faced at that time; with Jesus buried, their future was buried, their hopes dashed to the ground, their progress curtailed – their journey seemed to hit a dead end.
Even today, there are situations we encounter and seem that difficult; an extremely large stone is blocking the way to someone’s destiny, achievement, financial breakthrough, perfect health, freedom from oppression, ministry aspirations – and the question lingers: “Who will roll the stone away?”
There are at least two important lessons to learn from the actions of these women. First, they believed God and kept their minds on Him even when it seemingly made no sense. Their minds were steadfast, their attention was not diverted; all through the Sabbath they must have been thinking about Jesus. They will still call him Lord, even when he is dead. Soon it will be seen that they did the right thing, and became the first evangelists – the first to announce the exciting news of Jesus’ resurrection! Secondly, we find that indeed: even in the grave, Jesus is Lord. “But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.” (Mark 16:4) Jesus had foretold both his death and his resurrection; at the right time his Lordship is seen when God’s power descends and undoes all security arrangements and rolls away the stone.
From the two lessons above, Isaiah’s words are put life: there is perfect peace for those who minds are fixed on the Lord. That is the formula you need; just as the women did, keep your mind focused on the Lord – to trust and serve Him in all circumstances. And indeed, the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:3-4) Who can stand against the Lord? No stone – however large or hard – can stand in God’s way; He is a much greater Rock, and the creator of all; and whatever sets itself against the Lord will be crushed instead. Believe Him to move that large stone before you; keep your mind fixed on Him and He will keep you in perfect peace.
God bless you all. Have a Blessed Easter Season!